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Congratulations, graduate. You passed your exams. Now let’s see how well you can do on the take-home exam called personal finance, a test many of your peers fail.

Financial planners say young people in their first jobs should take several steps:

* Sign up for the company 401(k) plan. Make the maximum contribution and don’t touch these savings. Starting early with a savings kitty that you will not touch for years is “absolutely the best way to build a financial future,” according to the Financial Planning Association.

* Don’t wait. Ronald Roge, a financial planner in Bohemia, N.Y., says there may be a waiting period to sign up for the 401(k). “Then start your own Roth IRA,” he says.

* Avoid needless expenses. Why do people pass up a good savings deal like 401(k) plans? They have too many bills. Avoid buying a car as long as possible.